Gardeners

The Incorporation of Gardeners of
Glasgow with its motto: "Gardening the First of Arts", is one of
the fourteen Craft Guilds which together form the Trades House of
Glasgow.

About the year 1605, on an
application from a number of "practical gardeners", the Craft
obtained a charter from the Burgh of Glasgow, conferring the usual
rights and privileges. Unfortunately, this charter was lost in 1646
when the Deacon was infected with the plague at that time raging in
the Town, and sent to the "Foull Moor" to be cured.

By a new Seal of Cause dated 1690
the exclusive trading privileges within the burgh were reconfirmed,
and these were enjoyed down to the passing of the Act in 1846 for
the abolition of exclusive privileges of trading in burghs in
Scotland. Thereafter the objects of the Incorporation assumed
an entirely benevolent character and membership is not now
restricted.

The care of its pensioners,
providing annual prizes and travelling scholarships for gardening
apprentices and students of horticulture are at the forefront of
the Craft's work today. The Gardeners also gives charitable
support to a number of other causes with a horticultural
connection.

Some years ago the Gardeners
introduced the "Let Glasgow Flourish" award scheme under which
Certificates of Excellence at three different levels are presented
to those commercial, industrial or institutional organisations
within the City which create and maintain an arboreal or floral
display of high standard for the benefit of public. The awards are
available for projects from simple window-box displays to
impressive and ambitious gardens and are keenly sought after. The
Craft was also instrumental in helping to initiate support for the
Trades House Expedition to Papua New Guinea in 1987 and the
botanical exhibition which followed it in 1988. This project
led by a team from Glasgow University brought back a number of
unique botanical specimens. To mark the Millennium, The
Millennium Garden, instigated and funded by the Incorporation was
created in co-operation with the University of Strathclyde and is
situated at the university's campus at Rottenrow.

Among its many members continuing
to profess an interest in gardening is HRH The Prince Charles, Duke
of Rothesay, who is an Honorary Master of the Incorporation.